…. Our inexperience cost us the match – Salami
Nigeria lost to Angola 24 to 26 goals in their first match of the ongoing 26th African Men’s Handball Cup in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday.
In the first half, Nigeria matched the firepower of Angola converting goals one after the other. The ding dong affair continued to the last minute of the first half with Angola scoring a goal to put the score line at 14 to 13 goals.
Nigeria came into the second half with determination taking the lead in the 15th minutes by 21 to 20 goals. The goalkeeper of Angola made crucial saves as they leveled up with Nigeria 22-22 before snatching the game at 26 to 24 goals.
The head coach of Nigeria men’s team, Rafiu Salami said the Golden Arrows of Nigeria lost to Angola due to the inexperience and hurriedness in the last two minutes.
Salami said the players gave a good account of themselves both in the defence and attack.
He said, “I must confess to you that the players did well; the only thing that cost us the match was our inexperience and hurriedness. The boys defensively put up a good fight, offensiveness was good but I think it shows that the Angolans were more experienced. The boys lost some crucial goals towards the end of the game”.
The France based gaffer said, “Tunisia is a very much stronger side, we will put a good fight against Tunisia and let us see how the game will turn out. The disappointment is in everybody’s mind but the coaching crew is cheering the players up because in two days’ time, Nigeria will face Tunisia”.
He revealed that Nigeria still stands a chance of making it to the next round despite its loss.
He said, “We still have a chance of making it to the next round but it is going to be a tough one. It is a very young talented team and we were in Abuja for a month without friendly matches. Angola were in Portugal for a month, so I think the boys gave their best”.
